The Memorial Hours today are 9:00 - 4:30.

Native Americans’ Day

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South Dakota was the first state to officially celebrate Native Americans' Day on the second Monday in October annually. Elsewhere, the day is observed as Columbus Day.

The South Dakota Legislature established the Native Americans' Day holiday at the urging of Gov. George S. Mickelson. He declared 1990 as a "Year of Reconciliation" and called for the first Native Americans' Day observance to be held at Crazy Horse Memorial®, where the likeness of the Lakota leader is being carved to honor the Native Americans. (Click here to see the 1990 state statute)

Native American Day Group
Native American Performer

At the first holiday gathering, held at Crazy Horse Memorial®, Gov. Mickelson told more than 1,200 people, "We can’t turn back the clock. We can only turn to the future together. What we can do as leaders, both Native American and white, is teach others that we can change attitudes."

The Native Americans' Day celebration at Crazy Horse also includes naming the Crazy Horse Memorial Educator of the Year, which honors an individual who has made significant contributions to Native American education. The award includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient’s school library or to programs of his or her choice that help students. The holiday's program also includes a public program featuring Native American singers and dancers.  A free buffalo stew lunch is available to all visitors courtesy of Korczak’s Heritage, Inc., Laughing Water Restaurant®, and Custer State Park.